The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education today appointed Mr. Thomas Layzell as its next president

(Frankfort, Ky) The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education today appointed Mr. Thomas Layzell as its next president. Mr. Layzell currently serves as Commissioner of Higher Education for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.

Norma Adams, chair of the council, said, “We are excited about the opportunity to work with Mr. Layzell. He brings to postsecondary reform in Kentucky his tremendous experience in higher education in Illinois and Mississippi. And he is known for his ability to build partnerships and reach consensus.”

In 1997, Governor Paul E. Patton and the General Assembly reformed the Kentucky system of postsecondary education. Since that time, enrollment in Kentucky’s public colleges and universities has increased by almost 32,000. Retention and graduation rates are increasing. The institutions are working together more than ever. And Bucks for Brains continues to bring world-class researchers to Kentucky.

According to Adams, “This is an important moment for reform. We have made a lot of progress since 1997. We have a visionary agenda. We have a very good staff. We are confident that Mr. Layzell is the right person to continue the national leadership role Kentucky has in postsecondary reform.”

Walter Baker, chair of the council’s screening committee added, “We looked at a number of very strong candidates. Mr. Layzell’s experience and personal skills make him the right choice for Kentucky at this time.”